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Wednesday, 24 June 2015

Generations Combiner Wars Titan Class Devastator - Pictorial Review

This review is courtesy of Hasbro Malaysia and MyToy. This is a review unit, will hit the shelves in Malaysia around July/August.

Almost every year, there will be at least one Generations figure that fans look forward to. There are quite a few interesting official releases that were revealed for 2015 Generations Combiner Wars line like Leader Class Megatron, Ultra Magnus, the Stunticons, Aerialbots, Protectobots and few others. Personally, the most intriguing would be Titan Class Devastator, the 2nd Titan Class ever released.

To be honest, I'm quite surprised with the choice they made considering the other three combiners are around leader class and they already planned a more suiting Titan Class figure to be released within this couple of years (hush hush for now). However, knowing that Devastator is the most iconic combiner, the decision doesn't really feels weird.

So, let's get right it, one member of the Constructicons at a time.

1 - In Package

The box is quite big, compared to regular releases but for those who are familiar with Titan Metroplex's box size, this wouldn't surprised you much. The artwork on the front looks really good, I must say.

The tech spec design can be seen on the top left corner of the box.

There are few characters can be seen on the box, battling Devastator but I'm not sure whether they were intended to be anything or not.

Back View

In case people are wondering, that's how tall the box is compared to Deluxe Generation Arcee and Chromia.

Devastator comes with a big front-and-back instruction sheet, and also a tech spec (not in picture). On one side there are instructions to transform the Constructicons from robot to alt mode while the other, forming Devastator.

Other than that, Devastator comes with a pair of missile launchers that convert into forearms (sorry the picture looks too dark after I upload it), a gun and also chest armor.

The Big Gun

Devastator Chest Armor

2 - Hook

Alt Mode

You'll see me saying this a lot of time in this review but Hook's alt mode is a really nice throwback to G1 version of Hook which transform into Nissan Diesel Unic truck crane.

Side View

A bit disappointing but not surprising, the rims are all black without any detailing except for the green pegs that are visible. The shade of green and purple almost, if not exactly the same as G1 version of the toy. However, there's not much detailing can be seen line compared to his predecessor which comes with yellow stripes on the crane (among others).

Back View

The rear is not fully covered as that's where the head is in robot mode.

There's not much functional parts on Hook's alt mode aside from the crane (fix, can't be extended) as even the base of the crane is not rotatable.

The purple part at the middle of the alt mode is actually a compartment where Devastator's head is stored. Surprisingly, compared to previous 3rd party version of Hook, he's the only version that could conceal the head fully.

Robot Mode

Transformation to robot mode is quite simple, almost like G1 Hook which I think is intentional. Some might be surprised at first to see that the figure is quite hollow. This is not something new as that's how the build starting from Generations IDW but due to his size, it looks more obvious.

Side View

Since the crane is fix and non-retractable, it touches the ground even when Hook standing straight (but not up to the point of pushing him forward).

Back View

The design on the back is quite clean except for the crane which is not an issue for me considering that's one of the traits of the character. However, as you can see, the base of the crane is not at the center but rather slightly to the left.

The base can be slide to from the side to the center but not all the way due to the compartment blocking it.

The head sculpt is perfectly done, capturing Hook's face. The detailing on the chest is based on the G1 toy version but not exactly the same.

Articulation wise, he's a bit limited. Hook comes with a ball-jointed head, swivel and hinge on the shoulders and elbow, ball-jointed hips, hinge on the knees and also ankle tilts. The abcense of waist joint is acceptable considering how his transformation is but the basid elbow joints are really disappoiting, even more so that other parts were done nicely.

A lot of people were surprised when it was revealed that the shoulder uses C-Clip to attached the shoulders. However, those are not actually the combiner port but rather to connect Hook with the base of Scavenger and Bonecrusher.

On the underside, there are 2 connectors and 2 pegs used when attaching Hook with Long Haul.

3 - Long HaulAlt Mode

I'm not totally sure what's Long Haul's alt mode is based on but it does look similar to the alt mode of G1 Long Haul, Hitachi DH321 mining dump truck. The alt mode is the most sturdy of all 6 members, not to mentioned the biggest.

Side View

The alt mode overall is quite clean except for the visible purple forearms on the side. That's the only thing differentiating him with his G1 version.

The detailing is quite basic as the alt mode is quite plain aside from the front part of the alt mode.

Robot Mode

Now, the thing that stirred the fans when first revealed. Long Haul is the most basic of all the Constructicons, and having weird proportion. Transformation is also basic with parts quite similar to TFC version of Long Haul. Now, for those who wondered about the size, take a look at this

The Transformers: Robot In Disguise #29
Pic Credit : TFWiki

Side View

Back View

Unlike the G1 version where the dumping tray transform into the legs, the Generation version leave the tray hanging on the back, much like the approach taken by TFC before.

The head sculpt is nicely done and spot on. Although, the green square on his forehead looks a bit weird.

Aside from the limited hand articulations, Long Haul actually comes with a decent articulation overall.

Long Haul comes with a swivel-jointed head, hinge and swivel on the shoulders, sideways hinge on the elbow, ratcheting waist swivels, ratcheting universal joint on the hips, ratcheting hinge on the knees and also ankle tilts.

Combiner Mode

Long Haul transform into Devastator's torso and upper leg, as he did in G1 series. Alone, Long Haul shoulders doesn't really peg in anywhere but stays securely once fully combined.

The connector for the legs are different that what I've expected. There are several pegs where Mixmaster and Scrapper will be attached rather than using combiner ports.

4 - Scavenger

Alt Mode

Despite looking the same as G1 version of Scavenger, Generations Scavenger transform into a different version of excavator where the cab is at the front left rather than in the middle, left side of the alt mode.

That, and the lack of yellow stripes on the side are pretty much the only noticable difference between him and the G1 version.

The alt mode is clean where there's almost no visible robot parts. Everything pegs together nicely but doesn't really feel as solid as the first 2 figures.

The boom and the arm are attached via a hinge, the same for the boom to the body. The bucket, however, is molded at the end of the arm without any joints.

Robot Mode

Scavenger, in robot mode, is what I remembered him to be in the G1 series and the toy version. The transformation is, again, simple and straigthforward.

Side View

Well, the arm orientation is the different, compared to G1 version but that's nitpicking.

Back View

I must admit, the hollow back of the forearms (and most parts on other figures) are really an eyesore.. And been getting worse and worse year after year ever since the IDW Generations started.

Spot on!

The detailing is nicely done on Scavenger's chest and head with clean finishing, especially on the silver chest piece.

While other members of the Constructicons, Scavenger is one of the figures that enjoy almost full range of movement.

The missile launchers comes with a 5mm handle and can be used by any members of the Constructicons

Combiner Mode

Transforming to combiner mode is easiest to do from alt mode, almost like G1 Scavenger (full alt mode). The square is where the C-clip on Hook pegs in.

The tread connect to Hook and Long Haul as becomes part of Devastator body while the hand is actually the green portion of the alt mode.

Scavenger's chest piece flips down and become the core of the forearm where the missile launcher pegs on forming Devastator's arm.

5 - BonecrusherAlt Mode

Bonecrusher transform into a bulldozer that looks almost the same as the G1 version except for the cab part. Taking the G1 toy color scheme, Bonecrusher is all greent except for some silver and black details.

Side View

Back View

There's almost no visible robot parts can be seen, which is really good.

The bucket is attached to the body via hinge which allows it to be tilted upwards and downwards.

Robot Mode

Bonecrusher is one of the best example of how well Hasbro can design the character, as Bonecrusher is almost exactly how you remember him in the G1 cartoon.

Side View

Back View

What bothers me though unlike Scavenger, Bonecrusher's forearm attachment can be seen hanging at the back.

Gorgeous head sculpt!

Just like Scavenger, Bonecrusher is one of the figures that comes with proper articulation overall.

Bonecrusher comes with a ball-jointed head, shoulders, elbows and hips, hinge and swivel on the knees and also hinge on the feet.

I decided to equip Scavenger and Bonecrusher with the missile launchers considering they are attached to them in combiner mode.

Combiner Mode

The arm mode is basically Bonecrusher in alt mode with the forearm part flipped down. Unlike Scavenger's where it is green, Bonecrusher's is all black.

6 - Scrapper

Alt Mode

Scrapper transform into a wheel loader, the big kind that's usually used in quarry. This is actually different compared to G1 Scrapper's alt mode but instead, more towards the same approach taken by TFC for their version of Scrapper (Structor).

Side View

Aside from the purple at the mid section and also the cab, Scrapper is all green minus the tires. Overall the alt mode is quite solid and everything pegs together nicely.

Back View

The alt mode is clean without any robot parts visible which is good enough compared to the other team members.

The bucket is attached to a 2-segments boom where each segment is connected by a hinge.

Robot Mode

Now for the disappointing part. Scrapper has a really decent robot mode, homaging to his G1 version....too much...including the lack of elbow joints...

Side View

The back kibble pegs in securely on the back and Scrapper is able to stand straight without any problem.

Back View

The head sculpt is as G1 accurate as it can be, nicely done. The design of the chest is closer to the G1 version which is quite surprising as the others aren't.

Almost perfect! Almost. It's a pity that this perfectly designed figure became one of the worst of the set just because he is missing a pair of elbows.

Scrapper comes with a ball-jointed head, double-hinge shoulders, swivel on the elbows, ball-jointed hips, hinge on the knees and ankle tilts.

Scrapper also comes with an extra joint on the waist to be used in combiner mode.

Combiner Mode

In [right] leg mode, Scrapper uses the configuration used by his G1 toy where the hands are straight instead of folded (or any other configurations, used particularly by TFC Hercules and Maketoys Giant).

What surprises me even more is how the Scrapper is attached to Long Haul in combiner mode. There are 2 pegs on the top portion and something sort of like a dado where Long Haul's leg slides in.

7 - Mixmater

Alt Mode

Another thing that made the fans furious before, the controversial choice Hasbro made for Mixmaster's alt mode.

Side View

To be honest, I never knew there is such a thing until I googled 'backward cement truck' and, voila~ Mixmaster alt mode is a perfect balance between green and purple colors, unlike the alt mode of the other team members which are mostly green.

Back View

I think the problem is the cab was not detailed properly or detailed enough for people to recognize it.

Robot Mode

Personally, Mixmaster has the weirdest and weakest robot mode compared to the others, despite the shortcomings of some of them.

I could understand if the backward cement truck alt mode was chosen to help improve the design of the robot mode but seeing this....

Back View

Aside from that, the head sculpt looks a bit weird too, the one and only in the set. The chest is based on the design of G1 Mixmaster aside from the detailing.

Even with the mixer positioning, Mixmaster is still a stable figure and with his range of articulation, he's very easy to pose.

Mixmaster comes with a ball-jointed head, hinge and swivels on the shoulders and elbows, ball jointed hips, hinge on the knees and also ankle tilt.

The extra joint that allows him to tilt to the side is a bit lower compared to Scrapper but they are at the same level in combiner mode.

Combiner Mode

Transforming to combiner mode only involves flipping up the back portion to form the feet and folding out the front part to form the connector. While the alt mode looks a bit off, I don't feel there's an issue for his combiner mode.

Same connecting pegs

Officially, the forearms are folded to the back but I preferred to do as above.

8 - Group Shots

I really like how the Constructicons look in group, both in alt mode and robot mode.

It might not be clear before but the Constructicons in alt mode is huge, as you can see compared to Generation Deluxe Arcee.

In robot mode, the Constructicons are roughly the size of normal voyager, here with Combiner Wars Motormaster. Personally, this is how big I imagined the Constructicons should be, which was why I opted for TFC version before.

9 - Devastator

Now, for the best part. Combining Devastator prove to be quite easy once all the components has been transformed properly. There are quite a few tabs to make sure everything is attached securely, especially between Long Haul and Hook.

Side View

Back View

However, the empty part on Long Haul's tray does bother me a bit, Hasbro should've make it one solid piece, just like the G1 version.

The were complaints before that Devastator look too 'plain' but I think that's the direction Hasbro went with him. Watching back Devastator's appearance in G1 cartoon, the character design doesn't involved a lot of detailing. The minimal detailing made Devastator looks like one solid robot rather a combination of 6 individuals.

The head sculpt is nicely done with a really clean finishing. Hasbro opted for visor version rather than the eyes (like Takara version). Now, let's see his detailing.

*Edit : Comparison was between Hasbro version and SDCC. Takara will have both visor and the eyes

The back piece on Scavenger is where the shoulder's articulations are. The treads are securely pegged to Hook (using the C-Clip) and also to Long Haul's hand at the side. Bonecrusher is also attached in the same manner.

The connection between Long Haul and Hook is also secured using the chest piece, holding the 2 robot together. Not only that, the chest piece also tabs into both Scavenger and Bonecrusher's tread, making Devastator's upper body one solid piece.

The crotch plates are connected to the middle part using swivels to allow hips movement. But as an alternative, Long Haul's knee joints (lower than Devastator hips) can also be used, giving wider range of movement.

The feet are really solid making Devastator a really stable figure, which is a huge deal considering that has always been a problem with Combiners.

Like I said, Devastator is better off with one solid piece of tray rather than 2 large hollow parts.

I was initially worried about the way the legs are connected but as it turns out, the connection is quite solid.

Sorry as I don't have any 3rd party combiners anymore for comparison and something wrong with the picture I took comparing Devastator and Metroplex. I can just say that Devastator is at Metroplex's elbow level.

One thing that I really like about Devastator is how great his playability is, compared to other combiners (official and non-official) I've ever played with.

Not only he is stable, Devastator has really strong joints top to bottom. I left him this way for almost half an hour (I was hungry, LOL) and he stayed the same.

There is no peg for the holding the gun so even though the hinge on the fist is tight, the gun will fall off when Devastator in certain poses.

Run Devy Run!

Devastator comes with swivel-jointed head, swivel and hinge on the shoulders and elbows, swivel on the fist, ratchet joint on the waist, [strong] ratchet joint on the hips with swivel joints below them, hinge on the knees and ankle tilt. During the entire session, nothing falls apart or fall off which really surprises me.

Prepare for extermination!

Let us go mode by mode

Alt Mode

- the alt modes are nice homage to G1 version of the team with few changes

- overall really solid and properly executed

- should've go with conventional cement mixer for Mixmaster or add more details on the cab so that it is more distinguishable

- the functioning parts are minimal in this mode (eg the crane, shovel) which I think could've been done better to add more playability. But this might just be nitpicking

Individual Robot Mode

- captured the aesthetic of G1 Constructicon almost perfectly

- setback on the joints especially Long Haul and Scrapper which to me, ruin the 2 figures

- Long Haul size might bother most but I think it's necessary for the sake of combiner mode. Also considering Long Haul was depicted to be bigger in IDW continuity, I think I can live with it

- the quality is actually not so different compared to previous IDW Generations releases but due to the large size of the figure, some of the figures look to have lower quality

Combiner Mode

- Devastator might not be as detailed as other 3rd party releases but seems to have perfect balance between design and playability

- the combination holds up perfectly from top to bottom once you get everything pegs properly

- the sheer size is really impressive, even more so when he could be pose in a lot way, not just standing straight, thanks to the strong joints especially on the hips and waist

My verdict? Will be getting both Hasbro and Takara version...and also SDCC 2015 if I can

Hi, sorry for my LONG time no commenting jajaj, but I still fast-check very frenquetly.

I liked the comment about Scrapper's elbows, it was funny XD.

Overall, I was suprised that you make the whole review (separate and combined modes) in one post, when usually you make 1 for separate modes and 1 for combined mode (but this is only brief comment jaja).

Talking about 18-inch robots. I haven't see too much blogs, but definitely, you are the best robot-reviewers I read. I really really really really really would like to see you reviewing Warbotron Bruticus (please do it :D, but only if you can jajaj).